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| Image Credits:Amazon |
Amazon is introducing prescription drug vending machines in its Amazon Pharmacy division, placing in-office kiosks in One Medical clinics so patients can pick up medications immediately after their appointments. The first locations are set to launch in Los Angeles in December. (Source: TechCrunch)
How the Kiosks Work
After a provider writes a prescription, patients can choose to send it to Amazon Pharmacy. Using their phone, they complete payment in the Amazon app, and the prescription is dispensed from the kiosk often within minutes. Each kiosk carries common medications like antibiotics, inhalers, and blood pressure drugs, tailored to the clinic’s prescribing trends. Refrigerated or controlled substances are excluded.
Through the app, patients can see the cost upfront, including insurance copays and available discounts, and even connect with a licensed pharmacist via phone or video if needed.
Strategic Motives & Market Context
Amazon says the move helps prevent prescriptions from going unfilled—data shows many patients don’t follow through to the pharmacy after visiting a doctor. In December, One Medical locations in Los Angeles will host the first kiosks, with plans to expand nationwide.
The announcement comes at a time when major pharmacy chains are under strain Rite Aid has shut down all its stores, CVS shuttered over a thousand since 2021, and Walgreens closed 500 in the past year. Amazon’s approach could accelerate disruption in the brick-and-mortar pharmacy industry.
Potential Benefits & Risks
Benefits:
- Convenience: same-day pickup in clinic
- Reduced drop-off: more prescriptions completed
- Transparency: patients see cost, copays, and drug info ahead of pickup
- Access to pharmacist consultation through the app
Risks & Challenges:
- Inventory limitations—only common drugs available
- Exclusion of controlled or refrigerated medications
- Regulatory complexities around pharmacy operations and dispensing
- Security, privacy, and safeguarding against misuse
- Dependence on clinic location and patient acceptance
Impact on the Pharmacy Landscape
This move could push traditional pharmacy chains to adopt similar automation or risk losing relevance. Amazon’s deep integration from diagnosis to dispensing may further solidify its role in healthcare. It also reflects how retail, tech, and healthcare are converging. As Amazon expands, the balance between patient convenience and regulatory compliance will be critical.
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To examine how AI and automation are disrupting healthcare, check out our article on Automation & AI in Healthcare 2025.